Two in less than six months
That’s two children —two of my children— diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in less than 6 months. Why?? God only knows.
Our 4yr. old Matthew has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes —just like his 8yr. old sister Maggie not five months ago. Thankfully we saw the signs and caught it early but he is still sick. We took him to the hospital Sat. night and because his blood glucose numbers continue to go very high (over 600) he is still there. He’ll be “OK” but of course, as long as he has this blasted disease he won’t be completely OK.
Life is so very unfair sometimes. I’m sorry if I sound like I’m whining, I suppose I am. I’m operating on very little sleep and my emotions are rather raw at the moment. How anyone manages to actually sleep in a hospital I will never know. I feel like a total zombie. Tim has insisted that he will stay with Matthew tonight so that I can sleep in my own bed and I do not have the energy to argue otherwise. Matthew seems fine with the idea since he is quite the Daddy’s boy and by now is feeling much more comfortable with the whole hospital situation. The nurses are great and he is enjoying the attention (and too much TV!). He’s getting used to all the shots and finger pokes but still has a really hard time with the blood draws (3 – 4 x daily until we are sure he is completely out of ketosis and those blood glucose numbers come down. Because we caught it early he didn’t go into diabtetic ketoacidosis as Maggie did, so his condition is much less critical than hers was).
It’s been a rough couple of days to say the least. I know it does no good to ask why and yet two children getting diabetes in less than 6 months just begs the question. I know God has a plan, I just can’t see any inkling of it at the moment. I am perplexed and even somewhat angry.
Of course in many ways I do see things differently this time but then again because I know more that’s not necessarily a good thing. I know what it means to deal with this disease and admittedly in my current state of exhaustion knowing that I will be managing TWO children with it is a bit overwhelming. I know God will give us the strength and courage we need but I also know He’s willing to push us to the outer limits some days. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that scares me a little bit.
To those who have been praying —thank you. I do not doubt your prayers have been a blessing. Do please continue to pray for Matthew and all of us as we adjust to another “new normal” and if you will, please pray with me for my other children who will unfortunately be under my constant scrutiny. I’m already wont to test someone’s blood sugar if they aren’t feeling well and given the events of the last few days I am sure that will only increase. In fact the pediatrician suggested I keep a very close eye on the other little ones. I will be indeed.
41 Responses to “Two in less than six months”
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Michele Q. --
Catholic wife and mother of 10.
Homeschooler, small press publisher, avid seamstress, halfway decent cook. Living the Family-Centered life.
Michele,
I am so sorry to hear that lightning has struck twice. It certainly isn’t fair to children to have this awful disease. I hope this is the end of the line with diabetes in your family.
I will remember your son and your family in my prayers.
Visit Ellen at http://www.maxiesmom.blogspot.com
Oh Michele, I am so sorry you are dealing with this yet again. You are right though, God does indeed have a plan…it’s just hard to see it when we are swimming in the deep end. Remember, He calms the storms and He is always there amidst the chaos.
Remembering you and yours during our evening prayers….
Visit Christie at http://www.tisbutaseason.blogspot.com
My prayers go out to you, your little ones and all your family. Take care of yourself so you can care for your family.
Michelle, my prayers ARE with you! My younger brother and I are both Type I diabetics, and life has been very good to both of us! Please feel free to contact me at any time whatsoever if you have any questions, or need to talk. My diabetes has been a huge blessing to me, and it will be for your children as well. God bless you, and give you grace and courage and peace. Yes, peace will come!
Michele, I feel so sorry for Matthew. I will be keeping you all in my prayers.
Visit joann10 at http://www.tenkidsandadog.blogspot.com
Praying for all of you, especially strength and grace for you Michelle!
Visit Amy at http://epiphanysprings.blogspot.com
Bless your heart! I know this is a difficult challenge to face. Getting through my pregnancy with gestational diabetes has given me so much empathy for my diabetic husband.
I hope that having some sibling support will enable each of your children to grow and manage this disease better than they ever could alone.
Visit Meredith from Merchant Ships at http://likemerchantships.blogspot.com
This is very concerning indeed! I have read speculation that it’s caused by a virus. I’ll be praying for all of you Michele!
Visit Bridget at http://www.ourmagnumopus.com
I can sympathize with your shock and the overwhelming-ness of it all. What is God’s plan in all this remains to be seen, but we know His plans ARE perfect.
I have heard that when you go thru something painful in waves, it’s like childbirth. God will birth something new from you. Certainly new strength and greater reliance on Him.
Will lift an AVE for you all now.
Visit +JMJ+ @ TotusTuusFamily at http://www.totustuusfamily.blogspot.com
Oh, Michele, I’ll keep you all in my prayers. God bless.
Visit M.E. at http://www.standinthetrenches.blogspot.com
We’re continuing to keep Matthew in our prayers, and for you and your husband. You just must be completely reeling. Having been diabetic in pregnancy, I know how you have to be constantly, constantly thinking about the blood sugar situation.
Visit Jennifer G. Miller at http://familyfeastandferia.wordpress.com
We’ll continue to pray for all of you, Michele.
Still praying sweetie and God bless you all!
Visit Meredith at http://happyheartsmom.typepad.com
I will be praying for you. I’m sure it will be hard. I’m sure this will bring the two of them closer as they help eachother out through life. I am a diabetic and have been since I was 10. Recently another homeschooling family had a son also age 10 that became a diabetic. They totally are convinced it is from immunizing. I had not heard of this for diabetes. (I have for other things, but not this) Just curious if they have both maybe been immunized? Just a thought…
Visit Jamie at http://makemeasaint.blogspot.com
Oh, Michele, my heart goes out to you. Many prayers for grace being offered.
praying dear …. hope you all adjust smoothly to this “new normal”
Visit Mary G. at http://saacademy.blogspot.com
I am so sorry to read this. This is definately hard trial and cross for you and your dear children, remembering you in prayer Michelle!
Visit aussieannie at http://www.starrymantle.blogspot.com
Praying for your son and all that you have been through. May God give you his peace…
Visit Marianne at http://catholicmoonlight.blogspot.com
I feel like I’ve been kicked in the gut. I check my other children when they get sick too. Poor children in my house whom I notice in the bathroom more often then normal, they get a finger poke too. I’m praying and offering up all my diabetes woes for you this week. Stay strong!
Visit Nancy at http://www.neverprayforpatience.blogspot.com
Hi Michelle,
I am sorry you all are going through so much stress. I, too, have multiple children with the same syndrome, (not diabetes), and our lives revolve around multiple doctor appts, keeping kids breathing….you know…little things like that!! One day at a time….that is the only way we can get through all of this stuff, one day at a time with God’s Grace!! (and He usually doesn’t give us one ounce more than we need!!)
Praying for all of you!
Diana
I’m so sorry, Michele. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.
Visit Ruth at http://thetuckerbunch.typepad.com
Michelle,
Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. You will get through this and think of the all the people that now know of this disease because you have chosen to share your personal and private experience.
God Bless you all.
Visit nancy at http://www.benotafraidnancy.blogspot.com
Dear Michele, you and Matthiew are in my prayers. I can just imagine the questions, and fear you must have. I am gald you are able to talk about them here. I am sending you a big hug. May Mary’s mantle be wrapped around you to soften some of this blow.
Visit Louise at http://timetokeep.blogspot.com
Michele,
I was so sorry to read this. We will keep Matthew in prayer.. and your whole family.
Michele–You and the kids are in our daily prayers. May God give you the grace and strength to walk in this and may He give Matthew and Maggie healing, health, and joy.
Visit Colleen at http://footprintsonthefridge.typepad.com
Michele,
Praying for you and your children!
Visit Molly at rememberingtoday.typepad.com
You have my prayers Michele. I’ve also heard the speculation about a virus causing Type 1 diabetes so I agree with keeping an eye out.
I sympathize. I have two with diet issues but I don’t have to worry about consistent feeding times and count carbs like you do. Again, you have my prayers.
Visit Susan (Taffy) at susan-soliloquy.blogspot.com
[...] vontrapp 8:13 am Early summer her 8 year old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. And now her son Matthew, who is 4 is in the hospital with the same [...]
Michele, I will pray for all of you. Hang in there and try to get some rest today if you can catch a few winks. I know you must be exhausted and worried but know that God has not forsaken you or your family. This will all come to good though it is hard to see right now. Love, Rebecca
Visit Rebecca at http://www.gypsycaravan.typepad.com
I am praying for you and your family. This verse has comforted me through a lot of hard times so I thought I should share it with you.
But those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Visit Sine at http://the-bantering-bookworm.blogspot.com
Michelle, I just popped in here to see if you had a new, and my heart sank when I read the post. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. I don’t know what plan God has for you and your children, but He does know the bigger picture, and it is scary, especially when we are getting the feeling that He’s really trusting us (like Mother Teresa said, “I wish He didn’t trust me so much!”). My fourth child was in and out of the hospital from the age of seven weeks to five months, and many a night I slept in a PICU. It is hard to balance home life with sleeping in the “bed” they offer there, but it’s good that you’re letting your husband stay. You need your sleep or you will be no good to the sick child, or anyone else. Many, many prayers and we’ll be back to check up on you.
Visit Jennifer at http://this-family-of-ours.blogspot.com
Michele, big hugs!! I am praying for you, Matthew and your family.
Visit KC at http://www.kcpowers.typepad.com/the_cabbage_patch
Oh, Michele! Praying for you all.
Oh, dear, will say prayers. I am diabetic, so I undersatnd…
Visit Leonie at http://livingwithoutschool.blogspot.com
Michele,
I am adding my heartfelt prayers to everyone’s and please know that our Rosary tonight will be especially for you and your dear family, esp. Matthew.
Visit Jennifer in TX at http://letthelittleonescome.typepad.com
My prayers are with Matthew and your family.
Prayers for you and your family…
God Bless You,
Sue
Oh Shell and Tim,
I am so sorry ~ this will only make you stronger.
You already know that and of course you know it is alright to be mad at God. He dosen’t mind. You know that. He can handle anything.
I am wondering where this came from I have never heard Diabeties in our family. Is it in Tim’s family?
Michelle:
Prayers for you and your dear, dear family!! Just a few moments ago, my youngest daughter brought me a cherished holy card, one that I’ve had for years and thought had been lost. Padre Pio, now St. Pio of Pietrelcina. Here is the message of the back of the card:
“Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
This is for you, Michelle. God is listening. He is merciful. It’s so hard to try to make sense of the insensible. Our family is praying a nightly rosary throughout the month of October. You will be remembered every night as we pray.
God grant you strength and comfort.
And peace…
Visit Kimberly at http://catholicfamilyvignettes.wordpress.com
I was searching for a liturgical calendar and came across your site…thank you! I also noticed your children with diabetes. My son is also a type 1 diabetic, he was diagnosed at 7 (now 11). My son is doing great and we now have our ‘new normal’ life full in swing. I hope that your children are well and are now well adjusted to their diabetic lives. My heart goes out to you with two children having diabetes. Our neighbors boy was just diagnosed so I am remebering the frightening beginning stages but at least now I can help her cope and realize life goes on and it is good!
Dear Michelle,
A friend sent a link to your website. I am a homeschooling mom of 8 (from 1 year to 21 years old). Over 12 years ago my Matthew was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 11 months old, just a few months after his 8 year old sister was diagnosed with a non-functioning thyroid. A year later they were both diagnosed with gluten intolerance. The medical diagnoses do seem to come in waves – now 5 darling children, dear husband and I are all gluten free now plus we deal with asthma and allergies. And yet it is all a blessing once you get over each new shock – we are given the grace to learn and grow to help others around us. The Serenity Prayer has helped me through the challenges. But I think Blessed Mother Theresa’s quote says it all: “I know God will never give me more than I can handle, but sometimes I wish he didn’t trust me so much.” God bless you and your family. A side note: Type I diabetes is one of 80 different auto-immune diseases in which a person is genetically predisposed and either a virus or an environmental trigger causes the body’s self-attack.